Historical Fiction

Here are some of our favorite historical fiction writers and their books from many different time periods, along with suggestions for further reading.

Best Kept SecretArcher, Jeffrey

Jeffrey Archer’s Clifton chronicles follow the meteoric rise of Harry Clifton, from the Bristol docks to a private school education in New York, and culminating in monetary success in early 20th-century America. Start with "Only Time Will Tell." Also try: Elizabeth Gilbert ("The Signature of All Things"), Philipp Meyer ("The Son"), Robert Morgan (Gap Creek novels) and Amy Tan ("The Valley of Amazement").

Chris Bohjalian’s powerful novels explore the depths of human evil and love, as is evident in "The Light in the Ruins"—the story of post-war murder and a young Florentine's love for a Nazi soldier. Also try: Jessica Brockmole ("Letters from Skye"), Rebecca Cantrell ("A Trace of Smoke"), David Gillham ("City of Women") and Kaye Starbird ("The Lion in the Lei Shop").

Tracy Chevalier spins riveting stories about people present at pivotal points in history. In "The Last Runaway," a young English immigrant faces the threat of ostracism, and even prison, for helping runaway slaves. Also try: Amy Brill ("The Movement of Stars"), Sally Gunning ("The Rebellion of Jane Clarke"), Lois Leveen ("The Secrets of Mary Bowser") and Eileen Clymer Schwab ("Promise Bridge").

Bernard Cornwell humanizes long stretches of history with well-crafted, gritty, action-packed historical adventures set during times of war and political strife. Also try: Kimberly Cutter ("The Maid"), William Dietrich ("Hadrian’s Wall"), Conn Iggulden (Conqueror series) and Brenda Rickman Vantrease ("The Heretic’s Wife").

Ken Follett’s suspenseful and historically accurate novels, such as "The Pillars of the Earth" and the Century Trilogy, showcase the people who built lasting monuments to human ingenuity. First in the Century Trilogy is "Fall of Giants." Also try: John Jakes, James Michener, Steven Saylor ("Empire"), Jane Smiley ("The Greenlanders") and Edward Rutherfurd.

Philippa Gregory is best known for her historical fiction about the Tudors. She also portrays other chronically dysfunctional royals of Renaissance Britain, as in her Cousins’ War series, set during the Wars of the Roses. Also try: Anne Clinard Barnhill ("At the Mercy of the Queen"), Carolly Erickson, Elizabeth Fremantle ("Queen’s Gambit") and Susan Higginbotham ("The Stolen Crown").